Response of Pore-Water Pressure and Deformation of Warm Frozen Soil under Triaxial Condition
Abstract
Warm frozen soil containing substantial amounts of unfrozen water undergoes complex deformation and pore-water pressure (PWP) dynamics when subjected to external loads. This study investigates the effects of dry density, temperature, and axial stress on PWP and soil deformation under triaxial conditions and the correlation between these factors. A series of seven experiments were conducted, followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, to examine the microstructural changes in the soil under varying conditions. The primary findings reveal that, upon application of the load throughout the test, PWP initially rises, followed by a stabilization phase. A peak PWP point is observed during this period. The change in peak PWP and soil deformation exhibits an exponential relationship with the three influencing factors, with temperature having the most significant influence. The PWP-strain curve can be divided into three distinct stages, each indicating a unique relationship between these parameters. In the first stage, the strain response increases while the PWP increases slowly. In the second stage, both PWP and deformation increase, with the PWP growth rate accelerating. In the third stage, PWP stabilizes or weakens, whereas deformation continues to increase. The deformation process under load is categorized into instantaneous deformation, creep, and consolidation deformation. A method for classifying soil deformation based on the correlation between PWP and deformation is proposed. SEM analysis further elucidates the impact of the three factors on the microstructural properties of warm frozen soil. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive examination of the mechanisms driving PWP and deformation dynamics under static loading conditions.